For the week of January 23, 2011

QUICK REVIEW
Looking back at your notes from this week's teaching on Why Religion Stinks, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?

YOUR STORY
1. Can you think of anything you were absolutely convinced was the best way to do something and then later found out others preferred the complete opposite?  

2. Do you ever find yourself comparing your gifts and abilities to others?  What's the danger in this?

3. What is your response to this statement:  You have an assignment to fulfill and a role to play in making a difference in the Kingdom.

DIGGING DEEPER
1. The diversity of people and the uniqueness of their God-given assignments can make life in the church not only exciting, but can also result in some misunderstandings.  How does Ephesians 4:7-16 help us appreciate the differences in our assignments and clarify the importance and purpose of carrying out our assignment? 
     
Ephesians 4:7-16 
    But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. [8] This is why it says:
    "When he ascended on high,
        he led captives in his train
        and gave gifts to men."
[9] (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? [10] He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) [11] It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 
    [14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. _^[NIV] 

2. Most of us wouldn't want to be known as the person that sat on the bench unwilling to get in the game when we had the opportunity to make a significant difference.  Yet, we all know at times, staying motivated to serve those we encounter daily and/or playing our role can be difficult.  How might the following verses help us stay motivated and keep a vision to making a difference?
      
Ephesians 2:10 
    For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. _^[NIV] 

Ephesians 6:7-8 
    Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, [8] because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. _^[NIV] 

Matthew 25:37-46 
    "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 
    [40] "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 
    [41] "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. [42] For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, [43] I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 
    [44] "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 
    [45] "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 
    [46] "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." _^[NIV] 

Below is a list of de-motivators that can keep us on the sideline when it comes to living out God's assignment in our lives.  Are there any you tend to encounter more than others? 

Don't think about it
Pressure of life / responsibilities
Past hurt
My own success
Not sure how to
Other ______________ 

3. Read the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30.  How have you seen the use of your gifts and abilities compare and contrast with the actions of the servants (note - modern day equivalents to a talent could be skills, abilities, money, possessions, positions of influence, roles in relationships, etc)?
    
Matthew 25:14-30 
    "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. [15] To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. [16] The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. [17] So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. [18] But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 
    [19] "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. [20] The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' 
    [21] "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' 
    [22] "The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' 
    [23] "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' 
    [24] "Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. [25] So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.' 
    [26] "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? [27] Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 
    [28] " 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. [29] For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. [30] And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' _^[NIV] 

Most of us have been in situations where a person, though passionate, seemed to be a bit misaligned in their understanding of their talents and abilities. Can you think of any steps a person could take to help someone avoid this kind of misalignment? 

TAKING IT HOME
Living out God's call and fulfilling our unique assignment is what we're designed to do. In fact, there are probably few things more satisfying here on earth than when we know we're doing what God has called us to do.

Are there any adjustments or new actions you want to take to live out God's call and assignment in your life in regards to -  

-restoring and stabilizing your commitment to follow Christ and live for him?

-making the most of the random opportunities you encounter daily to represent Christ and care and respect those around you?

-pursuing a passion and/or just trying something and getting started?

One of the key ways to find your position to play is to  start serving.  Below is just a sampling of the many ministries within the church where you could use your abilities.  Are there any new service opportunities that you need to consider (or reconsider) as a result of this weekend's teaching?

=> Nursery or Children's Ministries
=> Student Ministries
=> Adult Ministries 
=> Care  / Concern / Connection Ministry
=> Tech., Facilities, Administrative Ministries
=> Community Service
       (Check out: www.northcoastchurch.com/service) 

To get information on these and many other ministries go to www.northcoastchurch.com/volunteers